Ketapang, West Kalimantan (16/02) - Efforts to strengthen the local economy continue in Periangan Village, Jelai Hulu Subdistrict, Ketapang Regency, through the development of livestock enterprises based on local needs, specifically pig farming. This initiative marks the starting point for developing local livestock programmes involving community groups as the primary beneficiaries.

The programme was designed following an assessment by the community economic empowerment team, which considered business opportunities aligned with the social and cultural context, as well as the needs of the village. Through this approach, livestock development is viewed as having strong potential to become an alternative livelihood while supporting the economic independence of the Periangan community. Beyond technical assistance, farmers are also trained to produce alternative feed using resources available within and around the village, in order to build a more resilient local business ecosystem.

Adrianto, the head of the participating group, expressed his appreciation for the initiative. "We fully support and are grateful for the pig-farming programme, the feed-making training, and the assistance provided to participants. This activity is in line with the needs of the community and is expected to help increase residents' income," he said.

During the training, participants were taught how to formulate pig feed using locally sourced ingredients, which is expected to help reduce feed costs and improve the efficiency of the fattening process. The programme also involved Universitas Tanjungpura (UNTAN) Pontianak as a technical partner. Acting as both resource persons and technical advisors, the UNTAN team provided guidance on livestock nutrition, good farming practices, and hygienic and sustainable housing management, enabling participants to run their enterprises responsibly and independently.

The initiative also received support from the Periangan Village Government and the Jelai Hulu Subdistrict Government. With a population of more than 2,000 people, Periangan has a significant demand for livestock products, making farm development a strategic and sustainable step. A decline in pig population and production between 2021 and 2024 was also a key consideration for implementing this programme, with the aim of helping to meet local needs in a sustainable manner.

Periangan Village Head, Paskalis Dedi Diardi, expressed his expectations regarding the programme's implementation and its benefits for the community. "We hope this programme succeeds and opens the minds of our community to see pig farming as an opportunity to improve household income," he stated.

Meanwhile, Jelai Hulu Subdistrict Head, Seth Arel, emphasised the importance of continued support for the community, particularly in livestock management systems, feed management, and housing hygiene, to ensure that farming activities can develop independently.

Through this community-empowerment initiative facilitated by PT Bangun Nusa Mandiri (BNM), a business unit of Sinar Mas Agribusiness and Food, the Periangan pig-farming group is expected to strengthen technical capacity and enterprise independence. In addition to creating opportunities for additional income for group members, the initiative also contributes to strengthening the village and subdistrict economic structure.

Going forward, the programme will continue with monitoring and evaluation, while also exploring opportunities to replicate similar initiatives in other areas to further expand the benefits for local communities.

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